Friday, March 14, 2025
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. ~ Romans 8:1-2
Written by Joyce Claus | Children’s Ministry Volunteer
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know
Be still
Be
BE … My being is most alive in nature. God’s glory is revealed in an unexpected turn on a hike revealing giant ferns under towering pines and a winding path promising more. I twirl around, arms reaching upward thanking God. I am free. I am one with God.
As a child, I often climbed the large shade tree in our backyard on warm summer evenings. From my perch the night air enhanced my senses. I could hear the muffled voices of neighbors winding down their day, crickets chirping in the background, and yard sprinklers clicking their rhythmic song in the night. I could smell the wet grass, the humid night air, and the leaves and bark of the tree. I could see warm light emanating from neighbors’ houses as the world, as far as I knew, settled into quietness. Then Mom, calling me by name, broke the stillness. Bedtime. Years later, a knock on the door broke into the stillness of a dark night in my life. An escape from reality, anger, and uncertainty led me to my brother’s house across the country. Alone in the unsettling darkness one night, I wrestled with God, pleading for release and resolution of my circumstances. I fell asleep only to be awoken by a voice calling me by name. “Joyce, I’m going to knock on the door. When I knock, open the door.” In awe I jolted upright in bed and waited for the knock. I sprang from bed and opened the door. That night I opened the door to Christ’s liberating love. In that moment, I was called by name to follow, trust, love him, and accept his abundant love for me.
Prayer: In the darkest of nights and brightest of days teach us to “Be still and know that you are God.” Amen.